Covalent immobilization of phytic acid on Mg by alkaline pre-treatment: Corrosion and degradation behavior in phosphate buffered saline

Magnesium-based materials are promising in biodegradable implants, but the proper corrosion control is a challenge. Phytic acid has potential as a coating on Mg to control the degradation rate. An alkaline pre-treatment process is implemented to form the hydroxyl group on the Mg surface and covalently immobilize phytic acid. The surface-immobilized phytic acid molecules chelate with Mg to form a dense and homogenous protective coating. The coated Mg exhibits a smaller corrosion current density and degradation rate as compared to bare Mg in the phosphate buffered saline.